End of an era as Paisley steps down

The Rev Ian Paisley has announced he is to quit as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and First Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

He will remain as the MP and Assembly member for North Antrim.

Senior Democratic Unionists are hopeful that there will be a seamless handover following his decision to stand down after 37 years.

Stormont finance minister and DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson is the strong favourite to take over, although economy minister Nigel Dodds has also been mentioned as a possible leadership candidate.

But senior sources predicted that there would be no divisive contest, with 59-year-old Mr Robinson likely to take over as leader and First Minister and 49-year-old Mr Dodds becoming his deputy as part of a dream ticket.

Mr Paisley announced he would stand aside after an investment conference on May 7 to 9 aimed at American businessmen, which Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Irish taoiseach Bertie Ahern are expected to attend.

Mr Paisley said he had decided to stand down after the conference because it seemed to be the most appropriate time for him to quit frontline politics.

But he would not be drawn on who should take over. "This is not the Church of Rome," he told Ulster Television, "This is not Apostolic succession and I have no right to say who will succeed me."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "Ian Paisley has made a huge contribution to political life in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. His commitment and dedication to public service deserve our gratitude. Progress on bringing a lasting peace to Northern Ireland would not have been possible without his immense courage and leadership."

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams extended his best wishes to Mr Paisley and commended him for his crucial role in forging the agreement with Sinn Fein last year which restored devolution.